Waterstudio.nl’s Sea Tree is a Protected Floating Habitat for Flora & Fauna

The Sea Tree, designed by Amsterdam-based <a href="http://waterstudio.nl/home" target="_blank">Waterstudio.nl</a> led by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/interview-koen-olthius-of-waterstudionl/">Koen Olthuis</a>, is a floating habitat that creates a safe haven for flora and fauna both underwater and above it. As urbanization and climate change advance, the respective habitats for animals and plants are at a greater risk, especially in urban centers. To counteract some of those factors, Waterstudio.nl came up with these protected reserves to help bring positive environmental benefits to the city.

The <a href="http://waterstudio.nl/projects/79#" target="_blank">Sea Tree</a> is a floating structure moored out in the water by a cable that holds a series of layers for variety of species.

The structure is built by offshore technology quite similar to the oil storage towers, which can be found on open seas and can be designed for specialized locations like rivers, lakes or the open sea.

Totally self-sufficient, the structure serves as a base structure that will eventually grown and support a wide range of flora and fauna including birds, bees, bats and other small animals that will help bring positive environmental benefit to the city.

The structure is also designed with a narrow and steep sides at the water line so that people cannot get on the structure and bother the animals.

<a href="http://waterstudio.nl/home" target="_blank">Waterstudio.nl</a> dreamed up this concept to help protect natural habitats in urban areas and they especially thought it would be perfect for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc">New York City</a>.

Moored to the bottom of the water floor, the structure can move slightly with the wind and waves. Eventually the animals would overtake the structure and make it into their own without taking up valuable space on the land.